China Reaffirms Commitment to Liberia’s Friendship -Yin Chengwu Unveils Plethora of Initiatives Underway

MONROVIA: Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1977, especially since the resumption of diplomatic relations in 2003, China-Liberia relations have made great progress on the basis of one-China principle. Looking back on the journey, pundits say there were twists and turns, but the friendship between both countries has never stopped and both countries have been honoring the diplomatic faithfulness to the relationship. As the Analyst’s Stephen G. Fellajuah reports, the People’s Republic of China, through its Embassy, has been expressing gratitude to those who made contributions to China-Liberia relations.

Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu is hailing the longstanding diplomatic relations between his country and Liberia, expressing the hope that such a relationship will remain solidly course for years to come.

Over the past decades, according to Ambassador Yin Chengwu, the two countries have maintained exchanges at various levels, stating that important leaders have exchanged visits dozens of times.

In particular, in 2009, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai then serving as Vice President, paid a successful visit to China at the invitation of the then-Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, making President Boakai one of the first current African leaders to engage with President Xi.

“Over the past decades, the bilateral exchanges and cooperation have achieved fruitful results in various fields,” he noted.

Speaking Tuesday, May 20, 2024 at the Boulevard Palace Hotel in Monrovia at a Reception dinner organized by the Chinese Embassy under the theme, “Keeping in Mind the Original Aspiration of China-Liberia Relations to Move Forward Together”, Ambassador Chengwu stressed that China will continue to advance engagement at all levels and in all areas in Liberia.

He also spoke of China’s willingness to strengthen the docking of the Belt and Road Initiative and President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, and to continuously expand China-Liberia practical cooperation.

He added that since President Joseph Boakai was elected, especially since he took office, President Xi Jinping and President Boakai have maintained close communications.

He expressed enthusiasm about the strong leadership and strategic guidance of both Presidents, stating that China-Liberia relations is entering a new stage and opening up new development opportunities.

Looking ahead, China stands ready to work with the Liberia side to seize the opportunities and move forward hand in hand, he said.

“In particular, China is willing to renew China-Liberia Maritime Agreement, and will work with the Liberian side to implement a number of projects, including the LBS upgrade and expansion project, the Fingerprint Examination Lab, the two Overpass Bridges on Tubman Boulevard, the National Clinical Diagnostic and Treatment Lab at the 14 Military Hospital and 7th terms of technical assistance project of bamboo and rattan weaving and vegetable planting,” Amb. Yin announced.

The Chinese envoy also told the gathering that his country would strive to promote practical cooperation in various fields, adding that China is making every effort to advance the Chinese path to modernization.

Rather than pursuing modernization alone, they look forward to working with other countries to achieve modernization together.

China is moving towards its second centenary goal, and Africa is also accelerating towards the beautiful vision described in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, according to Chengwu.

He however asserted that under the new situation, it’s good to keep in mind their original aspirations, create a favorable environment for their respective development visions, continue to promote China-Liberia cooperation to achieve new results, and write a new chapter of China-Liberia friendship.

At the same time, he said China is willing to explore new cooperation with Liberia in agriculture, economy, trade, education and other fields.

‘We will strengthen communication and cooperation with the Liberian side on international and regional issues,” he said, adding: “At present, the international situation is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and the world is facing a variety of major problems and challenges.”

The Ambassador noted that China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Liberian side to uphold multilateralism, to participate in global governance, to safeguard the common interests of the “Global South” and to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.

The Reception dinner was graced by several past and current government officials and members of the legislature, including House Speaker Cllr. J. Fointa Koffa, Senator Protemp Nyonblee Kangar Lawrence, as well as acting Foreign Affairs Minister, Cllr. Deweh E. Gray. Justice Minister among others.

Taking the podium, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Deweh E. Gray responded to the pronouncement made by Ambassador Yin, and expressed appreciation and excitement over the willingness and interest to improve China-Liberia relations through development.

She assured his Chinese counterparts of Liberia commitment to the ‘’One China Policy’’ which seeks to demonstrate respect for sovereignty and non-interference, adding that this remain unchanged.

The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs said China has proven to be a reliable and trusted friend to Liberia.

“Liberia and China have witness important accomplishment and tangible progress in our friendship since the reestablishment of our friendship in 2003,” he reflected. “We want to thank President Jianping and you Amb. Yin for helping us in unlocking our developmental dreams.”